Hotel Mar Blau

Occupying a contemporary eight-story building, this mid-range hotel is aimed at beach-seeking leisure tourists. Interiors are decidedly average, but they're clean and well maintained. Walls of windows in the lobby illuminate a spacious sitting area filled with blue, teal, and beige boxy couches, plus there's a lobby bar and a small stage for evening performances. Other common areas are much the same, and though bland in style, they're pleasant enough. Guests are largely European travelers on vacation, and the clientele is a mix of couples and families with kids.

The hotel is situated in Calella, a coastal city about an hour's drive east of Barcelona (about an hour- to an hour-and-a-half by public transportation). There are a couple of other hotels in the immediate area, as well as a supermarket across the street and several bars and nightclubs nearby, which might cause noise issues at night. The beach is about a five-minute walk away. Other area attractions include the Museu del Turisme (12-minute walk away), the Lighthouse Calella (13-minute walk), the Casa Museu Lluís Domènech i Montaner (12-minute drive), and the Castell de Santa Florentina (about a 15-minute drive). The train station is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel (or a 10-minute drive). The nearest airport is in Girona, which can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. Barcelona's El-Prat Airport takes about an hour to reach. 

Rooms are dated in terms of decor, but they're clean and illuminated by natural light thanks to glass doors that open on to private balconies. Some rooms have larger terraces furnished with loungers as well as tables and chairs, and some overlook the pool. White walls and tile floors are the backdrop to simple wooden furniture and blue accents courtesy of window curtains, bedspreads, and bland art on the walls. Amenities are sparse and include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning/heating, telephones, and free Wi-Fi, but use of mini-fridges and safes incurs an extra charge. Bathrooms are fairly small and could use some updates as fixtures are older. They're equipped with shower/tub combos (or small showers in some), toilets, bidets, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are provided. Note that noise issues due to thin walls are possible, plus there are several bars and nightclubs nearby that can cause some disturbances.

Features focus mainly on the outdoors. The hotel has a fairly large and attractive outdoor pool with a spacious pool deck lined with loungers. There's also a kids' pool, as well as a small playground with slides. A rooftop sundeck offers even more sunbathing options.

Dining-wise, there's a buffet restaurant that serves Mediterranean and international fare, as well as a lobby bar/cafe that hosts evening performances (during summer season). Outdoor seating by the pool is available. Breakfast is included in rates, plus half- and full-board plans are available.

The hotel has a small fitness center, but it's equipped with just a handful of machines. The fitness facilities also provide a hot tub and a sauna. Other amenities include a spacious game room with both seating and a pool table. The hotel has an animation team during the summer that provides entertainment and activities for both kids and adults, including evening shows and live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. On-site parking incurs a fee.